The Travel Diary: Things to do in Guangzhou

With an increasing number of direct flights within the region to Guangzhou, it is no wonder that the third largest city in China is catching up with Beijing and Shanghai to become one of the popular city to visit by tourists.

We check out where you can stay, eat and visit in this shopping haven, just two hours away from Hong Kong and Macau.

Where to stay

Among the hotel’s 351 guest rooms are 35 luxurious Guangzhou hotel suites and 58 Club Level guest rooms, each with exclusive amenities and breathtaking views.

Just across and down the river from where the new Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre is, you'll find The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou. With The Ritz-Carlton, we can definitely expect all things luxurious as well as impeccable service. This hotel is also conveniently located near Canton Fair and Canton Tower, which is adjacent to the Guangzhou Opera House and Guangdong National Museum. Let's not forget the panoramic views of the Pearl River from its rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel in Guangzhou City offers 351 luxurious guest rooms and suites, located on the 20th floor and above. There's also six restaurants and lounges serving both Cantonese and Western favourites. The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Centre is equipped with outdoor heated pool, 24-hour gymnasium and a yoga room as well.

Where to eat

Panxi Restaurant is located in the core district of Guangzhou Food Garden, adjacent to Liwan Lake, representing the largest forest restaurant in China.

For some authentic Cantonese dim sum within the traditional atmosphere of Guangzhou, visit Panxi Restaurant located in the Guangzhou Food Garden district, just adjacent to Liwan Lake.

Panxi Restaurant has gained its reputation through obtaining countless prizes and medals in various national and international cuisine competitions. There's a variety of banquets to suit any festivities and celebrations as well.

Where to shop

Grandview Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the city and possibily in South East Asia.

With its location very close to Hong Kong and Macau, it is to no surprise that Guangzhou is fully aware of its commercial potential. To tourists, Guangzhou is indeed a "shopping paradise".

With nearly 250 shops within the 800-metre long street is Shangxiajiu-Dishipu Pedestrian Shopping Street, one of Guangzhou's three major municipal-level shopping areas. You can expect a collective of older, famous stores such as Yong'an Department Store and Guangzhou Garment Store, to some renowned restaurants and antique shops.

For a more dedicated destination for shopping, check out Grandview Mall, a relatively new (opened since 2004) mall that's right next to TeeMall, offering numerous high-end boutique shops, an indoor ice-skating rink, a 3D cinema as well as many fancy restaurants. There's even a 48-storey hotel within the mall for visitors looking to stay close to a shopping destination.

Where to visit

There are free seatings for normal tickets within the circus. You can also pay RMB100 more to upgrade to VIP seating.

While you are in Guangzhou doing all this shopping and eating, don't forget to take some time off to visit the famous Chang Long International Circus. This is the perfect way to end the day with some entertainment for the whole family, with acrobats and trapeze artists to clowns and spectacular set-piece shows.

If catching a circus is not really your cup of tea, there's always the Pearl River night cruise for a quiet night out with your loved ones.

Pagination

Editor’s note:Yahoo Philippines encourages responsible comments that add dimension to the discussion. No bashing or hate speech, please. You can express your opinion without slamming others or making derogatory remarks.